(July 27)  The members of the San Bernardino County Association of African American Employees (SBCAAAE) have elected Diana Alexander to serve as their president for the 2012-13 year.
Formed in 1992, the association’s mission is to promote cultural awareness of the county’s – as well as the nation’s – rich, vibrant African American heritage while fostering interest in county government and employment related opportunities through educational and social outreach activities.
Working closely with members and staff, the elected board ensures coordination of African American observances, acts as advocates on issues, and assists the membership in their service as positive role models for African Americans in the county and the community.
Alexander begin her career in April 1993 as an eligibility worker and continued to progress through the ranks.  She now serves as Assistant Director for the county’s Transitional Assistance Department. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is on track to earn her master’s degree  in public administration this year.
“I feel very honored and excited to have this opportunity to lead the association,” said Alexander.  “I look forward to continuing the great tradition of leadership that this association has modeled thus far.  We have amazingly gifted members that are ready to lend their talents towards not only furthering the goals of our association, but in working with our county and community in realizing the countywide vision. Together we can make it happen!”
Alexander replaces CaSonya Thomas, who had served as the SBCAAAE’s President for the past two years. Along with Alexander, the following members were elected to serve on June 28, 2012;
1st vice president: Carolyn Tillman, San Bernardino County Schools;
2nd vice president: Keisha Butler, Human Resources;
Treasurer: Tanya Bratton, Department of Behavioral Health;
Recording secretary: Sharon Chivis, Information Services Department;
Communications secretary: Kenneth Hall, Information Technology Services Division.
2013 represents the hallmark 20th anniversary for SBCAAAE. Dr. Terrence J. Roberts, one of the “Little Rock Nine” who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957, will be the keynote speaker for the 2013 Black History Month Celebration event. Dr. Roberts is a nationally renowned speaker who takes his audience on a journey through which they reflect on his experience and come to understand how he has used that experience to live a more socially responsible life.
The SBCAAAE meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The next meeting  is on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the San Bernardino Public Employees Association office, located at 433 North Sierra Way, San Bernardino.